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University of Strathclyde · Undergraduate
MSci (Hons) Microbiology Integrated Master's degree at Strathclyde
MSci (Hons) Microbiology at Strathclyde. Rather than treating microbiology as a pure discipline, the course embeds core theory alongside hands-on laboratory work, research methods and independent investigation.
MSci (Hons)
Award
5
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
MSci (Hons) Microbiology is an Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It runs 5 years, studied full-time.
For Microbiology and cell science graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
9.4
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent86
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional95
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1Core40 credits
Module details
This module aims to give you: the foundation practical skills required for a biological biochemistry the foundation practical skills based around 'health and the body' foundation presentation skills
- Cells & their MoleculesCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: provide you with Foundation level knowledge relating to basic functions of cells set out the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years expose you to the basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms used throughout your degree with a particular focus on oral communication and presentation
- Organisms & DiseaseCore20 credits
Module details
From this module, you will gain: foundation-level knowledge relating to basic evolution, species diversity, development, homeostasis, and infectious disease the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years knowledge about methods of teaching, learning and assessment used throughout the degree, with particular focus on teamwork and finding, citing and using information
- Bio-Organic ChemistryCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: understand nucleotide/nucleic acid molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of nucleic acid chemical and biological potential learn about amino acid/protein molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of protein chemical and biological potential study monosaccharide/polysaccharide molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of carbohydrate chemical and biological potential under
Year 2 5 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2Core40 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to give you the fundamental: practical skills required for a biochemist practical skills required for an immunologist practical skills required for a microbiologist practical skills required for a pharmacologist skills in presentation and teamwork
- Introduction to BiochemistryCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are for you: to understand gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression to understand how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics to understand the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates to appreciate the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states to understand the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
- Introduction to ImmunologyCore20 credits
Module details
By studying this module, you'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of: how immune cells recognise antigens key concepts in induction of acquired immunity effector mechanism of the immune system helpful immune responses harmful immune responses
- Introduction to MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to help you to: understand the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes appreciate physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms understand the role and control of microorganisms in disease learn how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciate the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
- Introduction to PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop your understanding of: systems biology and homeostasis the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems the cardiovascular and respiratory systems the hepatic and renal systems the endocrine and reproductive systems
Year 3 3 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3Core40 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: give you generic practical skills in biomolecular science further develop your practical skills in specific biomedical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histopathology and serology that align with the module choices of the degree programme enhance your report writing and presentation skills
- Fundamental MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: understand the basis of gene regulation in microorganisms and how this influence bacterial physiology describe the key mechanisms that drive evolution of microorganisms demonstrate an understanding of the principles of mathematical modelling in predicting microbial growth and death describe the basis of microbial form and function and how bioinformatics are fundamental to microbiology
- Biomedical MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: understand the difference between taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of microorganisms gain knowledge on the principles that underpin bacterial, fungal and viral identification become familiar with the structure, function and growth characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and apply that knowledge to their role in disease development describe the distinguishing features, pathogenic properties, epidemiology, treatment and control of medically
Year 4 3 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4Core40 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are: to give you the opportunity to carry out original research to provide you with the skills to critically interpret data and develop conclusions or hypotheses based upon your findings to provide you with the skills to analyse and present your data to provide knowledge in a key area that is relevant to your career aspirations.
- Advanced MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: understand how to analyse and interpret the genomes of microorganisms understand the mechanisms that permit bacteria to sense and interact with the environment understand of the mechanisms of bacterial growth and development understanding microbial populations through 'omic analysis
- Clinical MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to: understand the principles of epidemiology in infectious diseases become familiar with the diagnosis of microbial identification using genotyping and viable and non-viable approaches understand the mechanisms of antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial resistance as well as the significance of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance recognise the mechanisms and importance of infection control in the immune-compromised host
Year 5 2 modules
- Microbiology Project and ThesisCore80 credits
Module details
After completion of the module, you will be able to: devise a hypothesis and plan and execute a research project, using advanced practical techniques to answer this hypothesis. write a thesis which includes a critical summary of current knowledge, describes the experimental and/or research techniques used, presents the findings in a clear and concise manner and discusses the significance of the findings in relation to present knowledge. prepare and deliver a PowerPoint presentation that describe
- Research Topics in MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
After completion of the module, you will be able to: read and critically evaluate primary literature in Microbiology demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current research approaches and techniques in Microbiology summarize and present research data to an audience
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study microbiology through a progression that begins with fundamental cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical lab skills and data analysis. In Year 2, you'll typically move into molecular biology and microbiology, learning how microbes function and how to design and conduct experiments. From Year 3 onwards, a course like this normally introduces specialist options, such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology or neuroscience, alongside modules that engage you with current research literature and a substantial extended research project. Throughout, you'll develop hands-on laboratory expertise and the ability to critically evaluate scientific work.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're intrigued by how microscopic life shapes the world around us, and you want to move beyond passive learning into active experimentation and discovery. You'll thrive here if you're methodical in the lab, comfortable with quantitative reasoning, and genuinely curious about how theory translates into real-world application. This programme suits those who value depth over breadth, five years lets you build genuine expertise rather than skim a subject. If you relish problem-solving through research, enjoy working with precision instruments, and see yourself contributing to fields like pharmaceuticals, food safety, infection control or environmental management, this course will give you both the foundation and the space to develop that direction.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or continuing study. Starting salaries typically sit at £23,000–£29,000 (15 months post-graduation); after five years, working graduates in the field earn between £25,075 and £35,400. These figures come from national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Your actual progression depends on the specialism, employer and your choices after graduation.
University & format
This is a 5-year full-time Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons) in Microbiology) at the University of Strathclyde, a public university founded in 1796, located on the John Anderson Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, so your qualification is nationally recognised.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 93%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent55% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: More than 240 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Strathclyde's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 55% |
| another higher-education qualification | 40% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*+A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeC500quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C500). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Strathclyde whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
International£29,350 / yr
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Strathclyde →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All Strathclyde funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship15% reduction in tuition fees
self-funded, international (non-EU) undergraduate students beginning September 2026
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £24,500 – £29,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £20,000 – £29,500 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £31,000 | £25,500 – £37,500 | 55 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
75%
in highly skilled work or study
95%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
85%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£27,000
£23,000 – £29,000After 3 years LEO
£25,000
£20,400 – £28,800After 5 years LEO
£31,000
£25,075 – £35,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,000 – £36,500
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
75% working5% working and studying15% in further study75% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
This course £31,000Peer median £29,500Middle 50% £27,500–£33,000
59th percentile
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Biological Sciences courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.4 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 100% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Strathclyde
All students22,225
International18.8%
Aged 25+28.6%
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Strathclyde from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,350 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Strathclyde offers the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship (15% reduction in tuition fees) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Strathclyde and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Strathclyde
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was More than 240 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Strathclyde. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Microbiology and cell science graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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